In recent years, Japan has developed a penchant for confronting China over issues of regional and international significance even though China's stance on these issues is fair and reasonable. Japan's proposal of a strategic dialogue with leaders of the United States, India and Australia, announced by its Foreign Minister Taro Kono this week, is another example of this.

According to Japanese media, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to float the idea to US President Donald Trump during his visit to the region next month.

As for the purpose of the Japanese proposal, Kono felt no need to cover up one of Japan's objectives, telling Japanese media that the aim is to counter China's expanding influence as a result of its Belt and Road Initiative.